7th Bn, South Staffordshire Regiment

[beddows]

Private JOHN HENRY BEDDOWS

17215, 7th Bn., South Staffordshire Regiment
who died
on 09 September 1916

One of three BEDDOWS boys from GARSTON who went to war WW1, two never returned.
Any info please

John

[sadler]

Hello.
From the Soldiers Died WW1 CD

BEDDOWS, John Henry
Regiment: South Staffordshire Regiment
Rank: private
Number: 17215
Born: Ironbridge, Salop
Enlisted: Hednesford, Staffs
Residence: Cannock, Staffs
Date died: 09/09/1916
How died: Killed in action
Theatre of War: France & Flanders

BEDDOWS, Bertram
Regiment: Cheshire Regiment
Rank: Private
Number: 33523
Born: Ironbridge, Staffs
Enlisted: Liverpool
Residence: not shown
Date died: 24/10/1917
How died: Killed in action
Theatre of war: France & Flanders
Supplementary notes: Formerly 9939, Liverpool Regiment

There are 19 BEDDOWS recorded.

Mike.

[beddows]

Thanks for your reply, I have been trying to find a memorial which records their details (no luck so far).
I have some other details from CWGC.
Would you happen to know why he transfer from the liverpool reg?

John

[sadler]

Hi John.

Sorry but I have no idea why they changed regimental names, perhaps
they were losing to may from one regiment and to boost numbers they
renamed them, but I see no reason in that, they died in great numbers
whatever the name did'nt they.

I would browse the military websites that Geoffers has nominated.

Mike.

[ronbolus]

Hi John,
Although i am researching the history of the 2nd Batt, I have seen passing reference to the 7th. In particular, you may find the following of interest re Sept 1916 (Somme).
I believe that the 7th S Staffs were part of 11th Div, though I am no expert on anything to do with the 7th SStaffs, I'm afraid. The 11th Div had arrived from Egypt after the beginning of the Somme offensive and had no part in the early battles. It took over the Thiepval-Ovillers sector on 4th Sept and the 7th SStafffs were shelled on the 6th during their work on the trenches.By the 12th Sept, they had sustained 30 casulaties, including 2 experienced company commanders.
I assume it was this shelling at this location that your ancestor gave his life.On 14 th Sept, the 7th SStaffs had taken such punishment that they were withdrwn and did not see action again until 26 Sept (not much of a rest!!).
I hope this helps. Ron

[ronbolus]

It was a pleasure John.........don't mention it :)))

[beddows]

Hi Ronbolus,
I am unsure if I did say thanks for the info, if I never, my apoligises as I always believe that it is important to say thanks, if I did then you get my thanks twice.
john

[Terry Reeves]

The most likely reason that Bertram was transferred is that he had been wounded whilst serving with the King's Liverpool Regiment and hospitalised. It was quite common or soldiers to be transferred to other regiments on recovery, their places in their original regiment have been filled by casualty replacements, either newly joined or filled by other men from other regiments who themselves had been wounded or injured in some way.

Terry Reeves

[beddows]

Thanks Terry for the reply